Objective. The objective of this research was to identify, analyze and synthesize the principies, concepts and practices in medicai education in a communityoriented, problem-based curriculum as expressed through the study of curricular reform at University ofNew Mexico School ofMedicine.Metbods. The primary method consisted o f case study that included participatory observation, documental analysis and interviews of professors and administrators. The observations included multiple tutoriais sessions with students, and repeated faculty development seminars, workshops, and planning meetings. Institutional policy and curriculum documents, in addition to peer reviewed publications, were analyzed.
Results. Multi pie pedagogical approaches are used at University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Early exposure to clinicai practice together with studentcentered, small-group, problem-based learning (PBL) are significant factor in the Ieaming and knowledge construction among students. Assessment of students is a very important part of the learning and is a constant process throughout the length of the curriculum. A major component of the pedagogical approach is built upon faculty skills and interest in medicai education. Several different strategies are used in the education and leadership development of faculty, including; weekly meetings for discussion of tutoriais, special tutor dialogue sessions, multiple skills training sessions, review of assessment questions and practices, annual education retreats, monthly meetings of curriculum implementation and educational policy groups and frequent feedback from students about their leaming experiences. Ali o f these elements are criticai for the implementation and improvement o f the educational process. Conclusions. The active learning through early guided experiences in community-based primary care settings, student-centered, small-group, problembased leaming and the comprehensive integration of the basic and clinicai sciences (via PBL) form the core o f the most significant contribution in the students' education. The development of the teachers in contemporary educational methods, and the work o f multiple committees in the integration o f the curriculum are fundamental aspects in the planning, development and implementation o f the medicai education curriculum. IX 7 Answer queslions.